Mel Arnold, Conservative MP for Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies, has tabled Bill C-221, a Private Member’s Bill to improve how victims of crime are treated within the correctional system.
The bill proposes key amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, requiring that victims and their families receive timely and accurate updates regarding the movement, sentencing, and parole status of the offender. It also seeks to end arbitrary barriers preventing victims from participating in parole hearings, and addresses concerns about misleading parole eligibility dates.
The proposal builds on previous versions of the bill introduced in four consecutive parliaments. In the last session, it had unanimous support before Parliament was dissolved.
The legislation is inspired by Lisa Freeman, a victims’ rights advocate whose father was murdered in 1991. Freeman says the bill would reduce the emotional burden victims carry by ensuring transparency and respect.
MP Rhonda Kirkland, who seconded the bill, emphasized that victims often live with lifelong impacts of violent crimes and deserve to be fully informed.
Arnold says the goal is to make sure victims are treated with compassion and dignity — and that their rights come before those of the offenders.
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